31 years and counting

Mommies certainly don't get birthdays off, but today contained some moments of sweet, if subtle, celebration for me, so I pause just to recognize how blessed I am to be healthy, happy and caring for people who absolutely adore me.

N surprised me with a short weekend visit despite the 5 1/2-hour drive from his school. He was here just long enough to mow the lawn, take L out for lunch and mama-gift-shopping and to treat me to an early birthday dinner ... we all had a chance to fill our family-snuggle tanks and he left behind a package of Peterbrooke chocolate-coated popcorn and the gift of a bicycle when we get to our new home out west. Wee! Can't wait to pedal around the island in style with kiddos in tow.

Today, the tots and I dashed out for a pumpkin spice latte (compliments of best pal S from WA) and chocolate milk before a house-showing. We enjoyed a sunny lunch in the backyard and hit the big library downtown in the afternoon. I convinced L to sing "Happy Birthday" to me and she made me a little card and even told me I'm a good mom at one point today. That made my day--even my week, perhaps.

Thanks to all who called, mailed cards and packages, sent ecards that literally "meowed" happy birthday and posted happy wishes on my Facebook page. It makes me feel a little less distant from you all and so very loved.

The house officially comes off the realtor contract today, so of course we're getting a handful of showings at the 11th hour. Anything could happen, but we're settled on hiring a rental manager and just taking it off the market until our chances of at least breaking even improve.

We're down to two weeks until movers arrive to start packing. It's getting exciting!